Campgrounds near Falls Creek, Pennsylvania sit within the Allegheny Plateau region at elevations between 1,300-1,700 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and mild summers typically ranging from 55-80°F. Dense mixed hardwood and conifer forests characterize the landscape, with many campgrounds positioned along creeks and the Clarion River with limited to no cell service.
What to do
Creek exploration: Clear Creek State Park Campground offers access to both Clear Creek and the Clarion River. "Clear Creek runs through the campground and is a perfect spot for a BBQ or Picnic. It also has a designated swimming beach with sand," notes Britt B. The water temperature stays cool even in summer.
Hiking trails: Numerous trails originate directly from campgrounds in the region. At Clear Creek State Park Campground, "Lots of space for long walks, and there are trailheads right at the campground if you want to get to explore. I took the dogs on the Truby Trail," shares one camper. Several loops range from 1-4 miles.
Disc golf: Clear Creek State Park maintains a disc golf course among its recreational options. One visitor describes it as "beautiful bridges, a great disc golf course, and moderate-to-light hiking trails." The course winds through forested terrain with natural obstacles.
Family activities: Kalyumet Campground organizes regular events for children. "We enjoyed the pool the walking/hiking trails, a trip into Cooks Forest, and even spent some time at the arcade (costs money)," reports Ember M. Weekend programming often includes organized games and crafts.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Bear sightings occur regularly in the region. At Clear Creek, one visitor mentioned: "I did have two separate run-ins with bears but overall a great experience!" Deer are also commonly seen, especially in early mornings.
Peaceful atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the quiet environment. At High Pines RV Park, "Located right on a main road but road noise really isn't a problem. There's no pool but they do have a game room that offers free games for the kids along with a playground and basketball court," notes Nick O.
River access: The Clarion River provides recreation opportunities at several campgrounds. "The Clarion is a crystal clear, shallow, rock bottom river perfect for a cool off, fishing or kayaking," writes Britt B. about Clear Creek State Park. Kayak and tube rentals are available in nearby towns.
Family-oriented atmosphere: Rustic Acres receives praise for its welcoming environment. "Our children enjoyed the Saturday kids program, crafts, snacks and games with other children. I can't remember when we were at a campground where everyone said hi and waved to each other," shares Misty L.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the Falls Creek area operate from mid-April through October or December, with limited winter camping options. Cook Forest State Park Campground runs "from 2nd Friday in April to 3rd Friday in December," while Rustic Acres remains open year-round.
Bear safety: Bears frequent the area, particularly at Clear Creek State Park. "Bears congregate frequently," notes one camper. Food storage protocols should be strictly followed at all campgrounds in the region.
Site leveling: Many campsites in the mountainous terrain require leveling equipment. At DuBois / Treasure Lake KOA, "Rock sites mostly level. Most sites are huge," says Bill B., while Clear Creek has "nice places, great creek and woods. Most of the spots will require leveling blocks."
Park rules: State parks enforce regulations more strictly than private campgrounds. Clear Creek campers mention: "Don't get caught boozing. They're pretty strict." Quiet hours are typically enforced at all established campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: State parks offer nature programs for children. At Clear Creek, "This is also a great place to go year-round for kids interested in learning about nature. There is a nature museum. Seek out Ranger Susanne—she is a really great teacher!" recommends Laura C.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds provide swimming facilities. Rvino - Campers Paradise features "a newly redone swimming pool" as of 2023. Clear Creek offers a "designated swimming beach with sand" along the river, though water remains cold even in summer months.
Weekend programming: Saturday activities specifically designed for children exist at several campgrounds. "We were thrilled to find they had a children's program on Saturday mornings. Our children had a ball making crafts, playing games, finding items on a scavenger hunt and of course snacks!" reports a Rustic Acres visitor.
Site selection: For families seeking privacy, specific sites offer more seclusion. "The best un-powered RV site is site 40– private and waterfront. The best powered-RV site is 39– private and waterfront," recommends one Clear Creek visitor who evaluated multiple camping options.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV sites vary significantly in size and privacy between campgrounds. At White's Haven Campground and Cabins, one visitor noted they "arrived after closing but host drove behind us. Seamless check in, easy hook up showers were very hot good pressure."
Hookup logistics: Water connections at some campgrounds require long hoses. "Our only complaint would be the site we were in (11) and others next to it were quite far from the water and cable hookups. I ended up having to run 60ft of water hose and 50ft of cable," reports one Kalyumet camper.
Accessibility: Some campgrounds involve navigation through security checkpoints or long access roads. The DuBois/Treasure Lake KOA "is located 5 miles in the back of a gated community. Signage is lacking and it's confusing to locate once past the gate, especially after a long day of driving," reports Ashley L.
Power options: Amperage varies between campgrounds, affecting summer comfort levels. At High Pines RV Park, "Our site only had 30a power. Most seem to be that way. Looks like some updates are on the way. We will go back again but making sure it's not peak summer due to not having 50A."
